Logarithms
Logarithms definition
Logarithm: the power to which a number must be raised
in order to get some another number.
For example
The base ten logarithm of 100 is 2, since ten raised to
the power of two is 100
Symbolically written; because
• Generally: If , then =base, exponent
• Example:
Changing logarithmic functions
into exponential and vice versa
Definition Logarithmic Form Exponential
form
As a function
(a is the base, y is example: example:
the exponent)
As an equation
(b is the base; m example: example:
is the exponent)
Properties of Logarithms
I. Identity rule Example III. Quotient rule
⇒ States:
⇒ Example:
•
⇒
•
IV. Power Rule
•
II. Product Rule States: ,
States: Example:
Example:
b. if then
Power rule (special case)
Example:
If then
Example:
Properties used to solve log
equations
a. if bx = by, then
Note:
Example:
i.x > 0 and y >0
If then
must be true
ii. converse is also
true
Natural Logarithms
• Definition
• Where
• As a function
• Inverse
Changing bases of logarithms
• Any logarithm can be changed by its base by doing a
division of logarithms:
Example: change into logarithm of base
Solution:
Examples
(i)Change to base 5:
•
(i)Change to base e : log 2 7
•
Exercise
1. Write each exponential 2. Write each logarithmic
equation in logarithmic equation in exponential
form form
Exercise cont…
3. Evaluate each of the
following using properties
of logarithm
Exrecise Cont…
4. Express as a single Logarithm. Simplify if possible.
Application of Laws of logarithms and
exponents
1. Find the value of x in b.
each of the following Solution: apply product
and quotient rules of
Solution: Apply natural logarithms
logarithm on both sides
Since bases are the same
compare their logarithms
b. c.
• Solution
• Write the given logarithm
Solution
into exponential form
• Thus,
Solution
Consider LHS and recall the
d.
laws of logarithms
consider the RHS and recall
Solution
the laws of logarithms
Note: all logarithms with no
bases has a base of ten
then by comparing logarithms Solving the quadratic
both sides equation
Thus
e. for
2. Find the value of
Given
Solution
Find prime factors of 48
Thus
3. Simplify 4. Simplify
Solution
•Solution
• Find prime factors of
• Consider laws of
• Such that
logarithms
=
• Thus,
